Newly retired Castleford Tigers star thanks fans

Retired Castleford Tigers star Kirk Dixon has thanked fans for the reception he received at last Sunday’s Super League game against Wakefield Wildcats when he said his official goodbye to supporters.

Dixon, who has had to retire because of a neck injury after eight seasons with the Tigers, said goodbye in an emotional speech on the pitch after the Wakefield game at The Mend-A-Hose Jungle.

Afterwards he tweeted: “Thanks to @CTRLFC for the send off but especially Michelle Cooper for arranging it all. Will see you all at the next game.

“Big thanks to @WTWildcatsRL boys for the well wishes after the game. Didn’t expect that. Thanks fellas.”

Dixon will now pursue a career in the family business, away from rugby league, but intends to carry on watching Castleford.

His final farewell came after a disappointing 24-22 defeat to the Wildcats, but many fans stayed to listen to Dixon on the pitch.

He said: “It was a very tough decision, but you have got to put your health first.

“I was sat in the stands and that is where I will be now for the rest of my life.

“Last year was fantastic, but it gives you that desire to want to come back and do it all again, so it is bittersweet really.

“It was an absolute pleasure to walk out at Wembley with some of my best friends and I will cherish those moments forever. It was probably a good year to go out on but it is not what I wanted to do.

“From myself I would like to thank everyone at the club for making this decision a lot easier.

“I would also like to thank the fans for supporting me over the years - you have been fantastic and I wish you all the success in the world. Another big thanks has to go to my family who have supported me for all my career.

“To all the team, I am proud of you all and wish you all the best for this season. Obviously it is not the best start, but I know you will be up there and challenging again.”